Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sean Liburd, manager of Knowledge Bookstore, located in Brampton, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Knowledge Bookstore is a community space where African History and Culture comes alive, as well as the go-to source for products, services, and events that promote cultural pride, self-love, and knowledge of self.
Knowledge Bookstore has a diverse selection of African-centered books that highlights Ancient African history and African culture for both children and adults. We provide an assortment of gift items with positive imagery, including paintings, posters, figurines, mugs, dolls, greeting cards, backpacks, action figures, and bible covers. Knowledge Bookstore is a community space that hosts an annual Kwanzaa celebration, weekly and monthly book clubs, African history classes, book launches, game nights, and we have even hosted a wedding. The bookstore also offers a space rental service, author coaching, workshops, presentations, and book talks both at Knowledge Bookstore and at other locations.
Knowledge Bookstore is much more than a bookstore; we make a connection with our clients. We have attended customers' weddings, funerals, and children's parties. Knowledge Bookstore has given out scholarships to students going on to university; we take students for volunteer hours; I mentor a set of young black men every year. Knowledge Bookstore is always willing to lend a helping hand and actively help local authors publish their books. We also partner with other community members to provide workshops, study groups, book clubs, and exercise classes.
Customers can call us for help in finding other resources like lawyers, plumbers, natural doctors, or just to talk. Knowledge is your go-to source
we are connected to the people we serve. They trust our opinion, product recommendations, and our ability to source difficult-to-find products.
Tell us about yourself
In my last year of high school, grade 13, I was introduced to 4 African American writers: Langston Hughes, Alice Walker, James Baldwin, and Toni Morrison. I choose Langston Hughes's work to be the focus of my independent paper and presentation. I read his poetry, novels, autobiography, plays, and short stories. His work resonated with me like nothing else I had read before. I continued discovering and reading more and more black writers from all over the world. After graduating from university, I had to make a choice between pursuing a career in accounting or starting my own business. Being an avid reader and seeing an opportunity to be able to expose young black children to black authors, black books, black history, black culture, positive black images, and stories were too much to resist. Knowledge Bookstore was born. Over the years, I have witnessed the transformational power of reading, the positive results of exposure to knowledge of black history and culture for both adults and children, and my own growth through practical experiences. My work has become part of my spirituality, and serving a purpose greater than myself motivates me daily to continue to strive and face any and all challenges.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Over the last 24 years, Knowledge Bookstore has had many milestones. We have experienced several life-changing events, dynamic speakers, assisted others with getting their business started, conducted cultural classes for children, given out several scholarships in partnership with African Image Makers, purchased a property, and so much more. However, our biggest accomplishment to date is keeping the doors open, overcoming a plethora of challenges, remaining relevant, and being able to continue to serve a constantly changing clientele with a smile.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that comes with being a small business owner is multitasking. When you have limited resources, you must do your own marketing, bookkeeping, accounting, customer service, purchasing, inventorying, displaying, etc. This means working long hours and constantly thinking about what needs to be completed and plans for tomorrow. A small business has lots of moving parts and lots of challenges to navigate constantly.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure whatever business you get into is something you love, and its purpose goes beyond yourself.
- Be open to learning, asking for help, and adapting to change.
- Know that challenges, obstacles, and distractions will be constant, making it important for you to remain true to your vision and mission while developing anti-fragile confidence that will ensure that you can create a better tomorrow.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I would just like to say thank you to everyone that has supported Knowledge Bookstore over the last 24 years. We look forward to continuing to serve the Knowledge Bookstore community.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.knowledgebookstore.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KnowledgeBookstore
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knowledgebookstore/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Knowledgebooks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/knowledge-bookstore/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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